Community

Block Party Celebrates Diversity

WVIK, Quad Cities NPR

Published July 22, 2016 at 4:22 PM CDT

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Jaryn Franklin, Miss Illinois 2016, Works closely with the Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living, which organizes the annual block party.

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Metropolitan Youth Program performed drill and step routines. From left to right: Sean Anthony Jackson, 10; Jahmeir Robinson, 15, Joshua Foster, 15, and Alfredo Emory, Jr., 16

Loressia Frazier / WVIK

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Representatives from the Rock Island Police Department provided games for kids

Loressia Frazier / WVIK

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The Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living hosts the annual party to celebrate the Americans With Disabilites Act.

Loressia Frazier / WVIK

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Childen play

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Officer Lawler, Daylia Warden of ICIL, and Officer Williams

Loressia Frazier / WVIK

Rock Island residents enjoyed a block party today to celebrate diversity and people with disabilities. The Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living hosted the annual party to mark the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Executive Director, Liz Sherwin, says despite the heat, the event was fun and worthwhile.
The reigning "Miss Illinois," JarynFranklin, says recognizing individuals with disabilities is one of her goals.

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"I'm working very closely with Centers for Independent Living..."

Organizations represented at the block party included the Rock Island Police Department. Officer Williams says it's important the community have good relationships with police.

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"...we're all on each other's side..."

Children from Metro Arts performed a step-show, while others played carnival games and jumped around in a bounce house.